Hurricane and storm preparation for pet owners

Quick answer: Prepare supplies, identify confirmed pet-friendly destinations, check identification, and plan medication needs. Monitor official forecasts and local evacuation instructions. Leave early enough to travel safely with the pets; do not wait for a particular warning label before following local directions.

Storms can change quickly, and warning time is not guaranteed. Confirm local shelter arrangements directly; emergency planning requirements do not mean every shelter, hotel, or transport service accepts every pet.

Pre-season (before any storm)

• Pack a pet go-bag — see pet emergency go-bag essentials.
• Research pet-friendly hotels along your likely evacuation routes — save phone numbers and addresses to your phone.
• Confirm microchip registry has current contact info.
• Confirm collar ID tag is current and legible.
• Discuss medication supplies, refills, and storage with the vet in advance; do not assume a refill one month early will be available.
• Carry vaccination records and confirm what your destination requires.
• Take a current photo of each pet on your phone, ideally in front of a plain background.
• Identify a designated “pet caregiver” out of state who could take your pet temporarily if you cannot.

When a storm may affect your area

• Top off the car’s fuel.
• Refresh pet medications and food stock.
• Decide your evacuation route and primary destination.
• Call the destination hotel to confirm pet policy and availability.
• Prepare transport and load supplies while conditions remain safe, without blocking safe passenger or pet restraint.
• Place the go-bag, carrier, leashes, and a small bag of treats by the door.

When evacuation is advised

• Follow local evacuation instructions promptly and allow extra time for pets.
• Use suitable pet transport equipment, secured according to its manufacturer’s vehicle instructions.
• Bring more water than you think you need.
• Plan water, food, and toilet stops safely. Open cat carriers only in secure enclosed spaces.
• Communicate your destination to family and your designated caregiver.

If you need help evacuating or must shelter

• Bring all pets indoors. Never tether outside.
• Ask local emergency services for guidance suited to wind and flood risk; a windowless room is not safe if it is likely to flood.
• Keep carriers nearby in case you need to move quickly.
• Have leashes and harnesses on standby for dogs.
• Use identification appropriate to each pet; do not compromise collar or carrier safety.
• If trapped by rising water, seek emergency help and follow official guidance. Do not enter floodwater or a closed attic with no escape route.

After the storm

• Return or go outside only when authorities say it is safe. Keep pets away from downed wires, floodwater, and debris; a leash does not make a hazardous area safe.
• Check the yard for hazards: broken glass, sharp metal, standing water with chemicals, downed branches.
• Be alert for displaced wildlife.
• Seek veterinary advice for injury, illness, unusual behavior, or ongoing distress.
• If your pet escaped during the storm, contact local shelters immediately and post on neighborhood groups. See lost pet: what to do in the first 24 hours.

How Driyu can help

Driyu can organize identification and private records while a connection is available. It does not guarantee offline record access, and a QR tag needs internet to open its public page. Prepare paper and separately saved offline copies in advance. See the pet evacuation guide.